Hidden perspective control found in Xara3D

A certain CEO of a certain company recently brought to my attention that there is in actual fact a perspective control in Xara3D. But it is hidden, and there is no UI option for it surprisingly.

By pressing Ctrl+<numpad +> or <Numpad ->, you can alter the perspective (field of view) from parallel (far away) to fish-eye (up close).

Wire-frame mode is accessible with Ctrl+Shift+W too.

This is actually documented in the help file. The biggest problem with releasing intuitively designed and easy-to-use software is that noone bothers to read the help file. I found this page hidden in there when I looked:

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Hidden or advanced options
Wire-frame mode
You can turn on a wire-frame mode that can speed up the moving and positioning. To do this press CTRL+SHIFT+W Press it again to turn wire-frame off.

Editing numbers
In any of Xara3D's settings where you can manually type a number (for example a percentage, an angle etc.) there are a number of advanced options. As well as just typing the number or using the slider (if applicable), clicking in the field then using the up or down arrow keys will change the value. Using Ctrl and the arrow keys will make the numbers jump in bigger amounts. Or you can use Ctrl-Home and Ctrl-End to set it to the highest or lowest possible value respectively.

Perspective
You can adjust the Z distance of the objects using CTRL and + or - keys on the numeric keypad. Note that at maximum zoom you get a rather unrealistic perspective, as if the image were very close to the eye, causing a fish-eye lens effect. This exaggerates the perspective. The default perspective is about right for the typical distance these images will be viewed on screen.

To cancel any changes to perspective hold down CTRL and click * on the numeric keypad.

The following options are registry entry changes. Do not attempt these changes unless you fully understand editing the registry. It is always advisable to backup your registry before making alterations. We cannot offer support for these registry changes, or be held responsible for any damage caused by improper editing of the registry.

Close Xara3D before making these changes.

Editing mode
Registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Xara, X3D6, Settings, Edit mode.

0 - apply any changes (such as font or size) to the selected region or (if there is no selected region) to all text.

1 - apply any changes to the selected region or to new characters you type in.

Compact save
Registry key: Software, Xara, X3D6, Settings, Save compact.

0 - save text and background textures as part of the X3D file. If you use textures, this creates larger files but is often more convenient.

1 - do not save textures in the X3D file.

Recent file list
This controls how many file names appear in the recent file list on the File menu.

Registry key: Software, Xara, X3D6, Settings, MRU count.

Enter a value between 1 and 10. Values below 1 default to 5.
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.... well theres a thing :D

Cheers Xhris,

Charles has mentioned perspective before on the forum. A feature easily overlooked.

I have only just found this thread.

Thanks Xhris,
I hate reading tutorials and help files but I wish I did this time.

More 'toys for boys.'

The detail from a static export is quite amazing considering the screen view.
I had to combine the 2 to create this wire globe.

I wish there was more control over the wire.

You guys! What will you come up with next? THANKS!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by salaam

I wish there was more control over the wire.

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If you change the still view quality (Alt+Q) you can change the density of the wire-frame.

I'm becoming addicted again :D

That's amazing Anas.